Agenda and minutes

No apologies for absence were received

No declarations of interest were received.

The minutes of the meetings of the Cabinet held on 7th January 2009 and 28th January 2009 were submitted.

RESOLVED that the minutes in each case be approved as correct records, subject to it being noted that Councillor P. J. Whittaker was not present at the meeting held on 28th January 2009. 

At the invitation of the Leader, Councillor P. M. McDonald referred to this item and requested that the Cabinet approve the establishment of a “Credit Crunch Task Force” to be lead by the Council which would consist of representatives from various local organisations and authorities. The purpose of the Task Force would be to alleviate some of the difficulties experienced by individuals and local businesses arising from the current financial situation.

There was discussion on the arrangements for the possible Task Force and it was reported that there may be assistance available through various grant schemes and that other Local Authorities may be able to offer advice on this aspect. It was also noted that the Local Strategic Partnership Board had  set up a Group to look at the economic situation and that it would be appropriate to work closely with that organisation.

RESOLVED  that a Credit Crunch Task Force be established to address ways in which local businesses and individuals can be assisted in dealing with the credit crunch and that the Task Force be established under the auspices of the Local Strategic Partnership. 

(a)       To receive and note the minutes

(b)       To consider any recommendations contained within the minutes

The minutes of the meeting of the Overview Board held on 6th January 2009 were submitted.

RESOLVED  that the minutes be noted. The recommendation contained in minute 13/08 relating to the Air Quality Strategy was considered later in the meeting.

(a)       To receive and note the minutes

(b)       To consider any recommendations contained within the minutes

The minutes of the meeting of the Joint Overview Board and Scrutiny Board held on 6th January 2009 were submitted.

RESOLVED  that the minutes be noted.

(a)       To receive and note the minutes

(b)       To consider any recommendations contained within the minutes

The minutes of the meeting of the Performance Management Board held on 20th January 2009 were submitted.

RESOLVED:

(a)       that the minutes be noted;

(b)       that the recommendation contained at Minute No 85/08 relating to the process for dealing with sundry debts be approved. 

The minutes of the meeting of the Local Strategic Partnership Board held on 4th December 2008 were submitted.

RESOLVED  that the minutes be noted.

Consideration was given to a report on the proposed adoption of an Air Quality Strategy and Planning Protocol which had been developed by officers from Local Authorities within Herefordshire and Worcestershire. The Strategy was intended to promote a more unified approach to the management of Air Quality across the two Counties.

RESOLVED  that the Air Quality Strategy and Planning Protocol for Herefordshire and Worcestershire, as set out in Appendices 1 and 2 to the report, be approved.  

The Cabinet considered a report on the introduction of additional charges for certain Building Control Services.

RESOLVED  that charges be introduced for the following Building Control Services as set out in Appendix 1 to the report:

(a)       provision of retrospective Completion Certificates for archived applications;

(b)       processing the withdrawal of applications; and

(c)        processing the transfer of obligations to a third party.     

Consideration was given to a report updating Members on progress made in respect of the future of the Houndsfield Lane Caravan Site since the Cabinet last considered the issue in June 2008. It was noted that discussions were still ongoing with regard to the possible transfer of the site to either the County Council or to a Registered Social Landlord (RSL). Following discussion it was

RESOLVED:

(a)       that the principle of transferring the Houndsfield lane Caravan Site to the County Council or to a RSL be approved;

(b)       that delegated authority be granted to the Executive Director – Partnerships and Projects and the Section 151 Officer, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder and the Strategic Housing Manager, to negotiate, agree terms and conclude the most favourable transfer proposal to provide a cost effective solution for the Council, together with a protected and enhanced site and service to the Gypsy and Traveller Community.      

Consideration was given to a report on the review of the Housing Strategy 2006-2011. It was reported that following the recent completion of the Bromsgrove Housing Market Assessment and two consultation events, the Mid Term Review Summary had been produced and the Action Plan refreshed.

RESOLVED  that the Housing Strategy Mid Term Review Summary and refreshed Action Plan for implementation over the remaining life of the Strategy be approved.

The Cabinet considered a report on key issues for the District Council in relation to climate change particularly in view of recently introduced legislation and National Performance Indicators for local government.

At the invitation of the Leader, Councillor C. R. Scurrell reported on a recent Conference he had attended regarding climate change and expressed his support for the proposals within the report.

RESOLVED:

(a)       that the key issues and obligations for the Council as set out in the report be noted;

(b)       that the establishment of a joint post  with Redditch Borough Council to be responsible for climate change policy be approved, subject to Redditch agreeing to jointly fund the post;

(c)        that a Climate Change Project Management plan be prepared and implemented and that the plan be monitored by the Council’s Energy Efficiency Group; and

(d)       that a report on the work of the Energy Efficiency Group be submitted to the next meeting of the Cabinet.       

Consideration was given to the Improvement Plan Exception Report for November 2008, together with the corrective action being taken. Following discussion it was

RESOLVED:

(a)       that the revisions to the Improvement Plan Exception Report and the corrective actions being taken be noted and approved;

(b)       that it be noted that for the 138 actions highlighted within the plan for November, 78.3 percent of the plan was on target (green), 3.6 percent was one month behind (amber) and 9.4 percent was over one month behind (red). 8.7 percent of actions had been reprogrammed with approval.  

The minutes of the meeting of the Shared Service Board held on 26th January 2009 were submitted.

RESOLVED  that the minutes be noted.

"RESOLVED: that under Section 100 I of the Local Government Act 1972, as amended, the public be excluded from the meeting during the consideration of the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part I of Schedule 12A to the Act, as amended, the relevant paragraph of that part, in each case, being as set out below, and that it is in the public interest to do so:-

RESOLVED  that under Section 100 I of the Local Government Act 1972, as amended, the public be excluded from the meeting during the consideration of the item of business the subject of the following minute on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act, as amended, the relevant paragraph of that part being as set out below and that it is in the public interest to do so:-

                        Minute No                               Paragraph

                           157/08                                        3

Consideration was given to a report on Stourbridge Road Car Park. Following discussion it was

RESOLVED  that for the reasons set out in the report, the request on this matter be refused.